The Chicago Bulls will open up their preseason with a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night, but they will be without guard Denzel Valentine.
Valentine, who averaged 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in his second NBA season, was diagnosed with a moderate sprain in his left ankle, according to the team. The injury occurred during Tuesday’s workout at the Advocate Center, and will keep him out of action for the next one to two weeks.
The Bulls are also dealing with injuries to star forward Lauri Markkanen, who has a right elbow injury, and rookie Wendell Carter Jr., who is fighting through a left shoulder issue. Both players are day-to-day, and did not practice on Friday.
Tip-off between the Bulls and Pelicans is slated for Sunday night, and will be followed by a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday evening.
